About two weeks ago, I wrote I was considering ending Zoom meetings and opening council meetings to the public. I was leaning toward doing so until last week.
Recordings of President Trump knowing how deadly Covid-19 is and how easily it is transmitted, as he intentionally downplayed it to the public, had to be considered.
Then I made my own inquiries to local school districts asking about positive Covid-19 cases. Since schools have re-opened I found 10 confirmed cases in schools that have been open for only two weeks.
I announced last night, my decision was that Council meetings would remain on Zoom. I will not risk the health and safety of Council members, or the public that may attend. I remain opposed to the playground equipment having been re-installed at our parks.
I decided to go with science, and the opinion of respected scientists that haven’t changed their opinion of a second wave they say is coming.
I also informed Council that should they disagree with that decision, I would accept a motion to open the meetings to the public, and leave it to the majority of Council to have the last say.
A motion was made and then seconded to end Zoom meetings. In-person meetings would begin in October.
Following a lengthy discussion of the matter that allowed all Council members to voice their opinion, and after the solicitor provided his legal opinion of liability that could be a possibility, a vote was taken by Council.
In a 6-0 decision, West Easton Council voted to remain on Zoom.
As it is now a full Council decision to hold future meetings on Zoom, it will take a vote by the Council to revert back to public meetings.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
